The countess made weekly visits. She was very keen to monitor the progress of the red headed child. Jasper was happy to allow the noblewoman to play with the child. As she did so she confided to “Jasmine” ‘I know this child is my grand-daughter but I don’t think it is my place to acknowledge her as such. I feel in my heart that my son is still alive. I just pray that he returns soon’
‘You think he is still alive? Thanks to this war there are many missing men’
‘I still hope my son will return. It is so strange that he would flee a disgrace. It’s just not his character. It doesn’t make sense. Shame was not a trait of his. I think it more likely that he has been captured by an underground cell of royalists and live in hope of receiving a ransom demand’
Jasper stayed silent. She did not want to admit her part in Lord Lake’s disappearance.
…
Some sort of peace had evidently returned to the rebel held parts of the kingdom. Simon and Damon had emptied the warehouse and set off once more to the capitol to pick up a new shipment of wine. Jasper was present nursing Pyotr, as Patricia fare-welled her husband with tears. ‘Be safe my love’
‘I feel much safer than the last trip and not just because the war has moved on. Last time I left, our child was ailing and you were struggling. Now Pyotr is thriving and thanks to so many soldiers in the taverns the price for my casks has doubled. This next shipment should be enough to clear all my debts’
‘I pray you return safely’
….
On her next visit the Countess advised that she wanted Brook baptized. She informed them that she had already arranged a ceremony at her private chapel, on her estate for two weeks time. After consulting with Patricia it was agreed that Bry and Pyotr should be baptized at the same time. Simon was expected back in the coming days. The Countess advised that all of Patricia’s household would be welcome at the ceremony.
Simon and Damon arrived home two days later. Simon was pleased to say the journey had been a success. They had unloaded enough casks on the way home to pay for the costs of the casks. The sales of the remaining casks would be pure profit.
That same day a messenger delivered a parcel for “The household of Master Simon Muscat” It contained an ornate christening gown for Brook and a note. “I have instructed Madam Watson the seamstress to modify two gowns that have been sitting in my wardrobe, unworn since the death of my husband. I would like to see the mothers of the children to be baptized suitable attired at the ceremony. Attend to Madam Watson’s house so she may gain your measurements and alter the garments accordingly” The note was signed “Dowager Countess of the Lake”
Patricia became animated. She was excited. This was her chance to mix with nobility. She noticed “Jasmine” was not so enthusiastic as herself. ‘I dare say it’s not such a big deal for you. You would be used to wearing court gowns but I have never even been to the Countess’s castle let alone being an honoured guest’
It seemed that Patricia did not suspect that Jasper was the missing crown prince but instead the missing princess.
‘Fear not Jasmine. I will not reveal who you are. Your secret is safe’
........
The next day Jasmine in company with Patricia pushed the baby carriage to the seamstress the Countess had specified. They each had their bodies measured up. They were shown the two gowns donated by the Countess and asked to choose. Patricia gasped when she saw them. Jasper allowed Patricia to take her choice. The blonde chose a silver gown. That left a golden gown for Jasper. They were both of the style worn by Jasper's mother the late queen. The seamstress informed them that the garments would be ready in 5 days.
Before they left Patricia asked “Jasmine” to wait with the babies. While waiting for her mistress Jasper described to the seamstress the underwear Jasper’s concubines used to wear to cover their breasts.
‘Those are called a brassiere, I have one here, ordered by the new commander for one of his concubines let me show you’
‘This is the item. The girl is but 15, poor child. The lord ordered this so the girl will look more developed’
It looked rather flimsy. ‘Can they be made larger and more solid so that breasts do not wobble. Mine get very sore by the end of the day’
‘Yes you are a buxom lass. Hmm… That is a good thought. Brasierres are usually decorative but I do have a client who is buxom herself who tells me she is more comfortable wearing one than not’
‘I am breast feeding’
'I fear such an undergarment would interfere with a baby suckling. You would need something supportive that could be easily opened to give the child access’
‘Is that possible?’
‘Perhaps’
Just then Patricia returned. She had a smile on her face. ‘Let’s go home. I have news’